http://www.sae.org/mags/tbe Get the latest content of SAE Truck & Bus Engineering Online Magazine. http://www.sae.org/mags/TBE/7195 System development using silicon-carbide DPFs shows major fuel savings, while fleet testing continues. Tue, 17 Nov 2009 16:12:17 GMT http://www.sae.org/mags/TBE/7195 2009-11-17T16:12:17Z http://www.sae.org/mags/TBE/7161 Federal-Mogul has developed an innovative aluminum piston design that can reliably withstand the mechanical and thermal loads produced by heavily boosted engines, thereby enhancing diesel engine performance. Mon, 16 Nov 2009 13:52:19 GMT http://www.sae.org/mags/TBE/7161 2009-11-16T13:52:19Z http://www.sae.org/mags/TBE/6933 Smart route-finding technologies could enable future intelligent driver assistants to better manage fuel efficiency, activate turn signals or directional headlights automatically when entering turns, engage automated glare-reduction systems, or provide other help depending on the location. Mon, 09 Nov 2009 20:55:29 GMT http://www.sae.org/mags/TBE/6933 2009-11-09T20:55:29Z http://www.sae.org/mags/TBE/7126 The impact of Tier 4 interim regulations goes well beyond engines, stretching to the infrastructure needed for new aftertreatment techniques and to human-machine-interface issues. Thu, 05 Nov 2009 17:59:02 GMT http://www.sae.org/mags/TBE/7126 2009-11-05T17:59:02Z http://www.sae.org/mags/TBE/7123 The LEDs that are transforming vehicle lighting are expanding into a new area: bus advertising. Lighted displays installed on buses can change messages often, even linking to GPS systems to pinpoint ads as buses travel into different neighborhoods. Thu, 29 Oct 2009 14:47:01 GMT http://www.sae.org/mags/TBE/7123 2009-10-29T14:47:01Z http://www.sae.org/mags/TBE/7090 Mahle offers to lessen burden of data overload for calibration engineers with its system for validating robustness of powertrain controls. Tue, 27 Oct 2009 19:51:04 GMT http://www.sae.org/mags/TBE/7090 2009-10-27T19:51:04Z http://www.sae.org/mags/TBE/7045 With an eye toward better serving the heavy-duty market, Shell Lubricants is introducing a new Rotella product and improving an existing one as part of a new initiative (including a marketing element) falling under the Energized Protection banner. Thu, 15 Oct 2009 01:36:52 GMT http://www.sae.org/mags/TBE/7045 2009-10-15T01:36:52Z http://www.sae.org/mags/TBE/7057 Alpine has developed a multiple camera system to improve visibility around a vehicle, which is additionally linked to a navigation database to add further functionality. Although the first prototypes have been developed using passenger cars, the company believes the technology has far greater potential applied to commercial vehicles and buses. Thu, 15 Oct 2009 01:26:02 GMT http://www.sae.org/mags/TBE/7057 2009-10-15T01:26:02Z http://www.sae.org/mags/TBE/7052 Buses account for a high percentage of U.S. emissions, prompting an industry-wide push to reduce pollutant output. Alternatives such as natural gas and even gasoline hybrids are getting increased attention as regulators and vehicle owners try to balance conservation and cost. Wed, 14 Oct 2009 20:40:11 GMT http://www.sae.org/mags/TBE/7052 2009-10-14T20:40:11Z http://www.sae.org/mags/TBE/7042 Alternative fuels can help fleet owners save money, often without requiring large investments. But before vehicle owners switch to biodiesel and natural gas, they need to ensure that they are maintaining quality levels and making sound financial decisions. Wed, 14 Oct 2009 20:31:09 GMT http://www.sae.org/mags/TBE/7042 2009-10-14T20:31:09Z http://www.sae.org/mags/TBE/7081 Lightweighting is a goal not just for light vehicles, as the folks at Century Inc. will gladly tell you. Its Advanced Materials Division has developed an aluminum metal matrix composite (MMC) manufacturing technology, along with a demonstrator brake drum for heavy trucks that weighs 38.5 lb (17.5 kg) and is interchangeable with standard cast iron drums weighing 70 lb (32 kg). Wed, 14 Oct 2009 20:03:39 GMT http://www.sae.org/mags/TBE/7081 2009-10-14T20:03:39Z http://www.sae.org/mags/TBE/7071 Omni-ID has released a suite of new RFID products specifically designed for the manufacturing, transportation, and defense industries to track high-value assets. The 100-ft-plus read range Ultra tag uses 512-bit memory and 240-bit EPCglobal Class-1 Gen2-compliant silicon. Wed, 14 Oct 2009 19:15:40 GMT http://www.sae.org/mags/TBE/7071 2009-10-14T19:15:40Z http://www.sae.org/mags/TBE/7069 Until recently, companies had learned to rely solely on postproduction inspection methods and devices to detect any bad products before they might be shipped. Progressive companies are shifting their focus by putting less emphasis on the inspection stages and more emphasis on refining and improving the manufacturing process itself. Wed, 14 Oct 2009 14:30:41 GMT http://www.sae.org/mags/TBE/7069 2009-10-14T14:30:41Z http://www.sae.org/mags/TBE/7035 “While you can’t change the basics of how batteries work, you can change the materials that are used to create them,” asserted Bill Robinson, the CEO of Integral Technologies Inc. And that is precisely what the Bellingham, WA-based company did; it has developed a moldable conductive plastic called ElectriPlast, a polymer blend that can be used to conduct electricity. Wed, 14 Oct 2009 13:53:34 GMT http://www.sae.org/mags/TBE/7035 2009-10-14T13:53:34Z http://www.sae.org/mags/TBE/7034 Solar modules in vehicles are still very much niche products. One reason is glass-based module manufacturing limits the use of photovoltaic cells in size and weight, according to Proof Design and Innovation Management. The German company presented a plastic-based solution, the Composite Solar Module, at the Frankfurt Motor Show. Wed, 14 Oct 2009 13:44:45 GMT http://www.sae.org/mags/TBE/7034 2009-10-14T13:44:45Z http://www.sae.org/mags/TBE/7019 Veteran GM and Delphi engineering executive Don Runkle hopes to lead the upstart company's opposed-piston opposed-cylinder multifuel two-stroke engines and related technologies into production. Military, commercial, and marine applications are targeted first. Tue, 13 Oct 2009 14:58:41 GMT http://www.sae.org/mags/TBE/7019 2009-10-13T14:58:41Z http://www.sae.org/mags/TBE/6838 A Class 8 commercial truck loaded with 159,080 lb (72,160 kg) of concrete and iron was at a standstill two-thirds of the way through a 15% incline, but the upward climb resumed without the tractor-trailer backsliding. Fri, 25 Sep 2009 20:56:48 GMT http://www.sae.org/mags/TBE/6838 2009-09-25T20:56:48Z